Laos – Sticky Rice, Beer Laos, and Caves
It appears the law making it illegal for a Laotion and a foreigner to enter a “relationship” has helped prevent the country from becoming an overly westernised tourist destination, as well as limit sex tourism – a surprising difference from neighbouring Thailand. The people are much friendlier, and while there are no beaches due to it being a landlocked country, there are plenty of sources of water to keep you entertained. There are stunning waterfalls such as those found in Luang Prabang, mysterious streams running through an endless array of caves, and hidden springs scattered throughout the country that you’ll usually just share with the locals. Of course there is also the controversial tubing in Vang Vieng where alcohol (amongst other substances), care free tourists and the river mix with often fatal consequences. This type of activity has been isolated to just the one river, so if you grab a motorbike and explore the country on your own, you’ll have no trouble discovering the beauty of real Laos.
Kuang Si waterfall, Luang Prabang
Cleaning fish in the street in Luang Prabang
Entertaining signage in Luang Prabang
Risky business while tubing in Vang Vieng
Victory Gate/Patuxai – Vientiane
Pi Mai New Years celebration in Vientiane
Monkey business – Vientiane
Monks walk along the Don Chan bank of the Mekong river in Vientiane, towards Thailand on the opposite side
Tham Nang Aen Cave
Mangroves seen during the “Thakhek loop”
Cool Spring at Bo Houay Namgen on the “Thakhek loop”
Drinking Laohoi rice wine with locals at a cool spring in Bo Houay Namgen on the “Thakhek loop”
Worlds youngest bar tender(?) serving Beer Laos in Bo Houay Namgen on the “Thakhek loop”
Wooden canoe ride through the impressively long (7km) Konglor cave
Mans best friend, now dinner
Dogs without hope, en-route to the Vietnam border
Monk walks along a submerged tree in the mystical Kongleng Lake
Monks playing in the mystical Kongleng lake
Thailand – Beaches and Beer
It’s no secret that Thailand is a tourist hotspot, though surprisingly you don’t often hear people complain about too many tourists here. Not that there aren’t, they’re just about everywhere. Often loud, regularly intoxicated, and always having fun, visitors here seem to get along harmoniously, contradicting the effect they may be having on the country and its local people. When the hangover wears off, you may find the time to discover how much beauty the country has to offer. From its stunning beaches and countless diving opportunities, to its world class rock climbing on the dramatic karst limestone cliffs, or its jungles, rivers and waterfalls, there is never a shortage of natural wonders (or beer) to justify a stay of far longer than first planned.
Small island off Ton Sai, Krabi
Deep water soloing on cliffs off Ton Sai beach, Krabi (assisted self portrait…)
Deep water soloing on cliffs off Ton Sai beach, Krabi
Climbing up south end of Rai Leh, Krabi
Multi pitch climbing above Ton Sai, Krabi
Rock climbing at Phra Nang beach, Krabi
Phra Nang beach, Krabi
Snorkelling at the rear entrance of “The Beach” (Maya beach)
“The Beach” (Maya Beach)
Visuals on Bangla rd, Patong beach – Phuket
Fire show on Koh Tao
Island chill, Koh Tao
Lahu village outside Chiang Mai
Lahu village outside Chiang Mai
Lahu village outside Chiang Mai
Jungle trekking outside Chiang Mai
Kong Lan/Pai Canyon – Pai
Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
Without spending much time in Malaysia peninsula, it becomes clear due to the cleanliness, good roads and great food, that it shares more than just the physical bridge connection with Singapore. To visit the more interesting sights such as its beaches and mountains requires a longer stay, but a few days can be enough to get a taste of Malaysia if happy to just explore its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Don’t expect the locals to be as happy to see you as in say Java Indonesia, though being able to walk through almost unnoticed may be a refreshing change.
Saturday Markets in Little India, Kuala Lumpur
Flying high over Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
Flying high over Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
Stick fighting in Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
Kabaddi – an Indian game played in Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
View over the city towards the Petrona twin towers from Kuala Lumpur Tower
Singapore – The island city
You’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in South East Asia upon arrival to Singapore. Often labelled as one of the cleanest countries in the world, Singapore is really just one big city that may only justify a few days stay, unless you have money to burn and wish to indulge in its expensive nightlife, or you fall in love with its adoption (and adaptation) of some of the best foods from across Asia. For a quick overview of the city, you can literally do just that from the SkyPark on the recently opened Marina Bay Sands resort which delivers an amazing view, particularly at sunset.
View from Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
View from Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Captured Abroad 